Dam Faces Imminent Failure in Mpumalanga
By Nkosana Khumalo
Barberton –
The Department of Water and Sanitation has sent out an urgent alert to people living downstream of My Own Dam, also known as Senteeko Dam, warning of a high risk that the structure could fail at any time.
Located in the Die Kaap River catchment in Mpumalanga, this dam holds about 1.8 million cubic metres of water, and experts say its spillway has suffered serious damage from erosion and undercutting, making it unstable and likely to break soon.
This warning comes after a quick safety check by the department’s dam safety office, which found problems too bad to fix easily. Officials are telling everyone in the area to leave flood-prone spots right away to stay safe.
As teams of engineers rush to the site to keep a close eye on things, communities near Barberton and Kaapsehoop are on high alert, hoping to avoid a disaster that could bring heavy flooding and harm to homes and farms.
Details of the Dam and Its Location
My Own Dam, often called Senteeko Dam by locals, sits in the scenic Die Kaap River area in Mpumalanga province. This part of the country is known for its green valleys and rivers, but it also faces risks from old infrastructure like this dam.
Built years ago to hold water for farming and other needs, the dam can store up to 1.8 million cubic metres – enough to fill hundreds of swimming pools.
The trouble spot is the spillway, which is the part that lets extra water flow out safely during heavy rains. Over time, water and weather have worn it down, causing deep cuts and weak spots in the structure.
Without quick fixes, this could lead to a full collapse, sending a rush of water downstream that might flood roads, fields, and houses.
The dam is near Barberton, a town famous for its gold mining history, and Kaapsehoop, a quiet spot with horse farms and nature trails. People in these areas rely on the river for daily life, but now they face the fear of sudden floods.
Past checks have shown similar issues with dams in South Africa, where heavy rains and poor upkeep can turn safe structures into dangers.
In Mpumalanga, weather patterns like strong summer storms make these risks even higher, as extra water puts more pressure on weak spots.
Reasons Behind the Imminent Risk
The department’s emergency check revealed advanced erosion – where soil and rock wash away over time – and undercutting, which happens when water digs out the base of the structure, making it shaky.
These problems have gotten so bad that the spillway is now seen as having severe and irreversible damage. This means even small rains could push it over the edge, leading to a failure.
Erosion often starts slow but speeds up with neglect. For Senteeko Dam, years of buildup might have played a role, along with changes in river flow from nearby building or farming.
Undercutting weakens the foundation, like removing the legs from a table, and once it starts, it is hard to stop without big repairs.
The department says these issues were spotted during a routine look, but the quick worsening called for this public warning.
In simple terms, the dam is like an old wall holding back a pool of water. Cracks and holes have grown, and now it might not hold much longer.
This is not the first time Mpumalanga has faced such threats; other dams in the province have needed urgent work to avoid similar scares.
Urgent Evacuation and Safety Measures
The main message from the department is for everyone downstream to get out of low-lying areas fast. This includes homes near the river, farms along the banks, and any spots that flood easily.
People should move to higher ground, take important papers and pets with them, and stay away until experts say it is safe.
To help, the department has sent a team of dam safety engineers to the site. Their job is to check the structure up close, watch for any changes, and give updates on the risk.
Local leaders in Barberton and Kaapsehoop are working with emergency services to spread the word, using radios, social media, and door-to-door visits.
Community halls and schools might open as safe spots for those who need to leave home.
Past dam failures around the world, like those causing floods and loss of life, show why acting quick is key.
In South Africa, memories of events like the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods remind everyone how water can destroy in minutes.
By warning early, the department aims to prevent any harm, keeping people and animals safe while they figure out next steps.
Government’s Response and Long-Term Plans
The Department of Water and Sanitation is taking this seriously, with top officials overseeing the situation. They have promised regular updates to keep the public informed, using their website and local channels.
This alert is part of a bigger push to check all dams in the country, especially after heavy rains in recent years have tested many structures.
For the long run, fixing Senteeko Dam might mean big work like rebuilding the spillway or even draining some water to ease pressure. The department could bring in experts from other provinces or private firms to help.
Funding for such repairs often comes from national budgets set aside for infrastructure, but delays can happen if costs run high.
Mpumalanga’s government is also involved, coordinating with local councils to support affected families. This includes food packs, blankets, and transport for those evacuating.
Lessons from this could lead to better rules for dam owners, making sure regular checks catch problems early.
Impact on Local Communities
For people in Barberton and nearby areas, this warning brings worry but also a chance to prepare. Farmers along the Die Kaap River fear losing crops or livestock to floods, while families in low spots pack up valuables just in case.
The area is home to many who work in mining or tourism, and a dam failure could hurt jobs if roads or bridges get washed out.
On a brighter note, community spirit often shines in these times.
Neighbours help each other move, and local groups share tips on staying safe. Kids in schools learn about dam dangers, turning this into a teaching moment for future readiness.
As the situation unfolds, everyone hopes for a safe outcome. The department’s quick alert shows how watching infrastructure can save lives. For now, those downstream stay vigilant, ready to act if the risk grows.
This event reminds all South Africans of the need to care for our water systems, keeping them strong for generations to come.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube